Judges 6:7

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} cried {H2199} unto the LORD {H3068} because {H182} of the Midianites {H4080},

Complete Jewish Bible

When the people of Isra'el cried out to ADONAI because of Midyan,

Berean Standard Bible

Now when the Israelites cried out to the LORD because of Midian,

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto Jehovah because of Midian,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 6:7 marks a crucial turning point in the narrative of Israel's oppression under the Midianites, depicting the moment when the severe affliction finally drove the children of Israel to a desperate cry for divine intervention. This anguished appeal to the LORD signals the activation of the recurring cycle of sin, suffering, and deliverance that characterizes the Book of Judges, setting the stage for God's response and the raising of Gideon as a deliverer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a detailed description of Israel's seven years of severe oppression by the Midianites, Amalekites, and "children of the east" (Judges 6:1-6). The preceding verses vividly portray the devastating economic impact of these nomadic raiders, who would swarm the land at harvest time, destroying crops and livestock, leaving Israel impoverished and forcing them to seek refuge in caves and strongholds. Judges 6:7 serves as the direct consequence of this unbearable suffering, representing the "cry" phase within the cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance that structures the entire book, as outlined in [Judges 2:11-19](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11-19 - The Cycle of Apostasy and Deliverance"). It sets the narrative in motion for God's subsequent response through a prophet (Judges 6:8-10) and the miraculous calling of Gideon (Judges 6:11ff).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a loose tribal confederacy without centralized leadership, making Israel highly vulnerable to external threats. The Midianites, along with their allies, were nomadic desert tribes renowned for their camels, which provided them with a significant military and economic advantage, enabling swift, devastating raids deep into Israelite territory (Judges 6:5). Their strategy was not merely military subjugation but systematic economic devastation, timed to coincide with the harvest, ensuring Israel's complete impoverishment and dependence. This severe affliction was understood as divine judgment for Israel's persistent idolatry and abandonment of the covenant with YHWH, particularly their worship of local Canaanite deities like Baal and Asherah, as referenced in [Judges 6:10](/judges/6-10 "Judges 6:10 - God's Rebuke Through a Prophet").
* **Key Themes:** Judges 6:7 powerfully illustrates the **Cycle of Sin and Deliverance** that is central to the Book of Judges. Israel's cry is the turning point, demonstrating God's consistent responsiveness to His people, even when their turning is born out of desperation rather than immediate, full repentance. This verse also highlights **God's Sovereignty and Patience**, as He remains faithful to His covenant promises despite Israel's repeated unfaithfulness. The act of "crying unto the LORD" signifies a belated, yet crucial, **Recognition of Divine Authority**, acknowledging that true help and deliverance could only come from their covenant God, YHWH, and not from the false gods they had been serving. This desperation-driven turning becomes the catalyst for **Divine Intervention**, paving the way for God to raise up a deliverer.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cried (Hebrew, _za'aq'_):** This verb denotes a loud, urgent, and often distressed cry for help, justice, or relief. It is not a casual prayer but an impassioned outcry born from deep anguish, helplessness, and severe suffering. The term is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe the cry of the oppressed or those in extreme distress, such as the Israelites enslaved in Egypt (e.g., [Exodus 2:23](/exodus/2-23 "Exodus 2:23 - The Cry of the Israelites in Egypt")). Its use here emphasizes the profound depth of Israel's misery and their utter desperation under Midianite oppression.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH'_):** The specific address to "the LORD" (YHWH, the covenant name of God) is highly significant. It indicates that despite their apostasy and worship of other gods, Israel, in their moment of ultimate despair, instinctively turned back to their covenant God, the one true God who had delivered them from Egypt and established them in the land. This choice, even if born of desperation, implies a recognition, however fleeting, of His unique power and authority to deliver, distinguishing Him from the impotent pagan deities they had been serving.
* **Midianites (Hebrew, _Midyan'_):** These were the immediate and tangible source of Israel's suffering, representing the direct consequence of their disobedience. Their name, possibly meaning "strife" or "contention," aptly describes their role as relentless oppressors. The mention of them here underscores the specific, severe nature of the affliction that finally broke Israel's stubbornness and drove them to seek divine aid.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass,"**: This is a common Hebrew introductory phrase (`wayehi`), often translated as "and it happened" or "now it came about." It serves as a narrative marker, indicating a new development or a transition in the story, signaling that the events described are a direct consequence of what has just been presented (the seven years of Midianite oppression).
* **"when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD"**: This clause highlights the action taken by the oppressed people of Israel and specifies the divine recipient of their plea. The act of "crying" emphasizes the intensity and desperation of their appeal, while "unto the LORD" signifies their turning, however belatedly, to their covenant God for help, acknowledging His ultimate authority and power to intervene.
* **"because of the Midianites,"**: This final clause provides the explicit reason for Israel's desperate cry. It directly links their suffering and their appeal to the severe oppression inflicted by the Midianites, emphasizing that the extremity of their circumstances was the catalyst for their turning to God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, though brief, is rich in literary significance. It exemplifies **Repetition**, as it perfectly fits into the recurring literary motif or **Cyclical Narrative Structure** found throughout the Book of Judges: Israel sins, suffers oppression, cries out to the LORD, and God raises a deliverer. This repetition reinforces the book's theological message about God's faithfulness despite Israel's unfaithfulness. The "cry" here serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, signaling that God's intervention is imminent and setting the stage for the calling of Gideon. The portrayal of Israel's desperate state, driven to a loud cry, evokes **Pathos**, stirring a sense of pity and empathy for their plight. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony** in the fact that Israel only turns back to the LORD, their true Deliverer, after exhausting all other options and enduring severe suffering, despite His consistent willingness to help.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 6:7 powerfully illustrates the profound biblical truth that God is attentive to the cries of His people, especially in their distress. Even when Israel's cry was born of desperation rather than immediate, full repentance, God heard and prepared to act. This demonstrates His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant and His compassionate nature, always ready to extend mercy and deliverance when His people turn to Him, even if reluctantly. It underscores that while God allows consequences for disobedience, His ultimate desire is for His people's restoration and well-being, and He responds to their genuine appeals for help. This divine responsiveness is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, affirming God's character as a loving and attentive Father.

* [Exodus 2:23](/exodus/2-23 "Exodus 2:23 - The Israelites' Cry in Bondage")
* [Psalm 34:17](/psalms/34-17 "Psalm 34:17 - God Hears the Righteous Cry")
* [Lamentations 3:55](/lamentations/3-55 "Lamentations 3:55 - Crying Out from the Deep Pit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 6:7 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today. In our own lives, we often find ourselves in situations of spiritual, emotional, or physical oppression, much like Israel under the Midianites. This verse reminds us that no matter how dire our circumstances, or how much we may have strayed, God remains attentive to our earnest pleas for help. It challenges us to consider whether we, like Israel, tend to exhaust all other options before finally turning to the Lord. The passage encourages us to make turning to God our first, not last, resort when facing overwhelming challenges, trusting that He hears and responds. Even in moments of utter desperation, when circumstances seem bleakest, Judges 6:7 assures us that crying out to the Lord can initiate a process of divine deliverance, restoration, and renewed hope, because His compassion never fails.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What circumstances in your life or in the world around you cause you to "cry out" to the Lord in desperation?**
* **How does Israel's delayed cry in Judges 6:7 challenge or affirm your own patterns of seeking God's help when facing difficulties?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's responsiveness to your cries for help, even when you felt utterly helpless?**

### FAQ
**Why did Israel wait so long to cry out to the LORD?**

Answer: Israel's delayed cry is a recurring pattern throughout the Book of Judges, reflecting human stubbornness and self-reliance. They often tried to manage their problems through their own strength or by turning to foreign gods, only crying out to the LORD when their suffering became unbearable and all other avenues failed. This cycle demonstrates a deep-seated spiritual amnesia and a reluctance to fully commit to their covenant with YHWH until extreme adversity forced their hand. Their cry in [Judges 6:7](/judges/6-7 "Judges 6:7 - Israel Cries Out to the LORD") signifies the point of absolute breaking, where their pride and self-sufficiency were shattered by the severity of the Midianite oppression.

**Does God only respond when we cry out in desperation?**

Answer: While [Judges 6:7](/judges/6-7 "Judges 6:7 - Israel Cries Out to the LORD") clearly shows God responding to a desperate cry, it doesn't imply that desperation is a prerequisite for His attention. God desires constant communion and a relationship built on love and trust, not just crisis. However, this verse powerfully illustrates God's immense mercy and patience. Even when His people turn to Him out of sheer desperation, perhaps without immediate, full repentance, He hears and acts. It's a testament to His grace that He is willing to meet us where we are, even in our lowest and most desperate moments, and initiate a path to deliverance.

**What is the significance of crying "unto the LORD" specifically?**

Answer: Crying "unto the LORD" (YHWH) is profoundly significant because it marks a turning away from the false gods (like Baal and Asherah, mentioned in [Judges 6:10](/judges/6-10 "Judges 6:10 - God's Rebuke Through a Prophet")) that Israel had been serving. It signifies a recognition, however desperate or belated, that only the covenant God of Israel possesses the power and authority to deliver them from their overwhelming oppression. This act acknowledges His unique sovereignty and faithfulness, distinguishing Him from the impotent idols and affirming His role as their true rescuer.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desperate cry of Israel in [Judges 6:7](/judges/6-7 "Judges 6:7 - Israel Cries Out to the LORD") for a temporary deliverer foreshadows humanity's universal and profound need for an ultimate and eternal Deliverer. The recurring cycle of sin, oppression, and temporary relief in the Book of Judges highlights the inadequacy of human efforts and the need for a permanent solution to the problem of sin itself. This desperate cry finds its ultimate answer in Jesus Christ, who is not merely a judge or a temporary rescuer, but the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He breaks the cycle of sin and its oppressive consequences by offering a complete and lasting redemption through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. Where Israel repeatedly fell back into sin after each deliverance, Christ offers a new covenant that transforms hearts and provides the power to walk in newness of life, fulfilling the promise of a true and lasting rest from the "heavy burdens" (as invited in [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Our cries for deliverance from spiritual bondage, the power of sin, and the brokenness of this world are always heard by our great High Priest, who "always lives to intercede for them" before the Father (as affirmed in [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Eternal High Priest")). He is the ultimate Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep (as declared in [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")), offering not just temporary relief but eternal salvation and true freedom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.